One of none?

[Dibbons]

Background article:

http://www.hemmings.com/mus/stories/2013/08/01/hmn_feature3.html

I just can't believe this 1972 Satellite Sebring Plus with a 400 torqueflite, 3.55 sure-grip, and G60-15 tires is doing elapsed times of 13.89 at 98.5 MPH. This is "stock" with the following "modifications": rebuilt Thermoquad, re-curved distributor, new timing chain, valve job and springs, with stock exhaust manifolds and dual exhaust. I don't see any of the mods adding up to 35 rear wheel horsepower or more. Factory rating of 255 net horsepower, shipping weight of 3761# minus 50# (no spare or jack) plus 180# for driver = 3891#. Let's just say 3900# then. For a trap speed of 98.5 MPH we need about 290 rear wheel horsepower (The 1972 440 was rated at 280 net HP that year). Using the 1972 400 CID factory rating of 255 rear wheel horsepower (which looks about right) the car should be doing a best of 14.40 @ 94.61 or so. That's a half-second slower than what is claimed in the article.

 

[dieseldazzle]

I dunno I suppose there is more to it than meets the eye. Even stock 4 speed car has a pathetic mph if you ask me. Here is a test from HPC back in the day:

1972 Plymouth Road Runner (HPC)​

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400ci/265hp, 4spd, 3.55, 0-60 - n/a, 1/4 mile - 14.90 @ 88mph


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[dvw]

It's all in the tune. That picture was taken at Stanton at the pure stock drags. It's amazing how quick some of that stuff runs. Granted off the dealership floor it wouldn't run that. My bet is it's jetted, aftermarket mufflers with 2 1/2" exhaust, bumped timing.
Doug

 

[dieseldazzle]

Even a more stable valve train could have given it some more balls. Im sure they played with camshaft if not lift then duration or both. Probably has a converter in it etc etc.

Far from a stock car Im sure just like all F.A.S.T. cars are and pure stock etc

neat as hell though

 

[mopar 3 B]

With G60-15 Tires I would give the driver a lot of credit.

 

[Bb70charger500]

I don't know sounds like there forgetting to mention something like a power adder spray or a blower, but you never know I've been surprised before from a stock motor after the top end was replaced and head work done .

 

[daniel_depetro]

I don't understand what is so difficult to believe. It's a big block powered, 3.55 geared B-body with a proper tune and modern (albeit reproduction) rubber. Why shouldn't it run a best of 13.89 @ 98.5 MPH?

Surely a quality valve job, correct distributor curve/timing, dialed-in carburetor adjustment(s), new (certainly a roller) timing set, a good 2-1/2" exhaust system, and modern oils/lubes could easily add 25+ horsepower to a stock factory performance 400. Probably more so even.
Add in a veteran driver to running these types of Pure Stock cars and I see no miracle occurring here, just an honest car that has been tweaked to the edge of stock perfection.

The only part that didn't quite jive with me was how the current owner justified 3.55 gears over 3.91's for the sake of highway driveability. As few miles as the car actually gets driven (and only a fraction of those being possible highway miles) I don't see it making any difference.

 

[dvw]

With G60-15 Tires I would give the driver a lot of credit.

Apparently you didn't see the FAST results from last week. Brians sb Duster went to the finals. 10.90's on G70's
Doug

 

[daniel_depetro]

...and yes, those top drivers deserve A LOT of credit.

Typically the F.A.S.T. cars are stock appearing race cars (now they have a Pure Stock class), so it is important to keep the two catergories of these vehicles separated.

 

[YY1]

I got no problem with those times.

My 70 Bee 383 3.55 ran similar on L 60 15 rears.

Even in it's '77 400 incarnation.

 

[dieseldazzle]

I got no problem with those times when you factor in a strict tune, good 60 foot and Iam sure the new valve springs were joined by a nice valve job which helps the low lift numbers tremendously.....

 

[Dodge 330]

Those minor "tweaks" add up. Especially if a little was milled off the head and a nice, thin (.020) steel head gasket was put back in. A distributor recurve and a good valve job alone can make a world of difference!

 

[Photon440]

I can't believe the prices on some of the factory options back then. $358.30 for a factory am/fm tape player? That's a couple grand in todays dollars. On the other hand $19.65 for the 'tuff' wheel is something I'd have ordered.